Correlation between overcontouring of fixed prosthetic constructions and accumulation of dental plaque.

Introduction: In prosthetic treatment with fixed prosthetic constructions the reproduction of the dimension and form of natural teeth crowns is important for the preservation of normal articulation-occlusal relationship as well as for periodontal health. THE AIM of the study was to evaluate to what degree there is an attempt to preserve and reproduce the natural dental contour in everyday dental practice and its impact on plaque accumulation.

Materials And Methods: The study was performed in patients with different types of fixed prosthetic constructions - metal, metal-ceramic and the combination of metal/plastic with intact symmetrical homonymous teeth. We used the index of J. Silness and H. Loe (1964) for evaluating the amount of accumulated plaque on the prosthetic construction in the area between the equator of the tooth and gingival margin.

Results: Our study reveals that the practicing dentists and dental technicians underestimate the preservation of natural dimension and form of dental crowns. Most often they are significantly enlarged for solving the esthetic requests of the patients. The basis for this is the incorrect preparation of the teeth and the ignorance of the negative effect of overcontouring of fixed prosthetic constructions on the periodontium by the practicing dentists. The overcontouring leads to a greater accumulation of dental plaque in the area between the equator and the margin of the gingiva.